Saint Joseph Health System Plymouth Medical Center is joining a new initiative to encourage new mothers to breastfeed. The EMPower Initiative aims to improve public health by increasing breastfeeding rates in the United States.
As part of the effort, Plymouth Medical Center will get training in breastfeeding practices from experienced coaches and help teaching these methods to new moms.
Additionally, the EMPower Initiative will help hospitals earn the Baby Friendly USA designation. To get it, hospitals need to complete the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, which aim to help women begin, as well as continue with breastfeeding.
Plymouth Medical Center is one of the first hospitals in the country selected to join the EMPower Initiative. The initiative is led by Abt Associates, Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute, and the Center for Public Health Quality. It’s funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
